Waianapanapa State Park is one of the best Road to Hana stops in Maui, Hawaii

22 BEST Road to Hana Stops in Maui + Map (2024 Guide)

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Choosing the best Road to Hana stops for your first drive on the famous route can be both exciting and a little overwhelming.

The Road to Hana is considered one of the most scenic driving routes in the world.

One of the best things to do in Maui, the Road to Hana road trip is on the bucket list of most first-time visitors to the island. And deservedly so…the scenery along the drive to Hana is breathtaking.

Officially Highway 36 and 360, The Road to Hana, or the Hana Highway, runs along the northeast coast of Maui.

Along the 64-mile stretch from Kahului to Kipahulu, you will see dozens of waterfalls, drive through lush tropical rainforest, walk on the famous Maui black sand beach, and enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park on the Road to Hana in Maui, HI
Waves wash over the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park

Eat banana bread, stroll through arboretums, hike through rainforest, relax on a lava-created black beach, and snap lots and lots of photos.

If you are lucky, you’ll be blessed with blue skies and sunshine for much of the drive but also get to experience a rain shower or two, and rainbows, on this wetter side of the island.

The first time you do the epic Road to Hana drive is exhilarating. And if you are lucky and go more than once, the experience only gets better, because you can pick and choose where to stop more freely without feeling that you are going to miss out on something.

While the distance is not long, the Road to Hana is narrow and twisty, with over 600 hairpin curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, and narrow sections.

And since the drive to Hana and back is one of the most popular day excursions in Maui, traffic and parking can be hassles.

Plus, locals are, understandably, not happy about the congestion — the Hana Highway is the only road in and out of Hana — or the illegal parking along the route by tourists anxious for photos.

Our top advice: leave early!

If you’d rather just sit back and let someone else handle the driving and the logistics, book a guided tour. It’s what we did on our first trip to Maui, and we had a wonderful time with a local guide.

But if you want to drive on your own, and have a great experience on the Road to Hana, plan in advance, pick your stops wisely, and manage your time.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the most scenic stops on the Road to Hana, so you can choose the best stops for your first drive through this magical part of Maui.

Planning a trip to Maui? Sunrise at the top of the Haleakala crater is a magical experience you will remember long after your visit!

A banyan tree along the Kuloa Trail in Kipahulu, Maui
A beautiful banyan tree in Kipahulu

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Unmissable Road to Hana Stops

1. Paia

The last town before you start your Road to Hana drive (going clockwise), Paia is charming.

Known for its laid-back surf town ambience, Paia’s main street makes for a pleasant wander, with small shops, galleries, and eateries.

Surfboards in Paia, Maui
A row of colorful surfboards in Paia!

But you’ll probably be here early in the day, too early for most places to be open, so stop also in the evening on your way back if you have the time.

Paia makes a great breakfast stop, and you can also pick up a picnic lunch to eat on your drive.

If you are here really early, stop at the Kuau Store, which opens at 6.30 a.m. Grab coffee and a light breakfast and sandwiches or salads for lunch on the go.

If you arrive a little later, Mana Foods has salads, soups, and sandwiches, and opens at 8 a.m. Paia Bay Coffee & Bar opens at 7.30 a.m., and their coffee is excellent.

You’ll also want to top up your gas tank in Paia, before you hit the road!

Want to enjoy the Road to Hana stops and scenic drive without the hassle of dealing with the logistics? Consider this popular guided tour, which includes lunch and a guide!

>> Check price and availability on this small-group Road to Hana tour now!

2. Ho’okipa Lookout

Located at mile marker 9 along the Hana Highway, Ho’okipa Beach Park is gorgeous. The roadside Ho’okipa Lookout offers a great look over the park.

The white sand beach is narrow and long, with a backdrop of mountains and vegetation.

Hookipa Beach Lookout in Maui, Hawaii
Beautiful Hookipa Beach from the lookout | Road to Hana

The beach is famous as a surfing spot in the winter, and watching the wave action from the lookout point at that time of year can be mesmerizing.

Depending on the day, you may not only see surfers but also kiteboarders, windsurfers, and more. This beach is a mecca for many water sports!

Although just the views from the lookout make Ho’okipa a worthwhile stop on the Road to Hana, you may also want to take the opportunity to observe Hawaiian green sea turtles.

If you have binoculars or a zoom lens, you can see them from the lookout.

The endangered turtles swim in the waters and rest on the beach here, and look like boulders! The best time to see them on the beach is in the late afternoon, but you may see one or more at other times of the day as well.

There are food stands and souvenir vendors at the lookout, and portable restrooms.

>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!

3. Twin Falls

The first waterfalls that you can access along the Road to Hana can be found at Twin Falls, at mile marker 2.

Located on the Wailele Farm, there are two main waterfalls, but several other smaller cascades as well. Water flow is variable, and you may be underwhelmed if you visit when the flow is sparse.

The Lower Falls are very close to the parking area and the short walk is doable for most visitors.

Twin Falls Road to Hana Maui Hawaii
The waterfalls at Twin Falls are magical when they are flowing nicely

The trail to the Upper Falls is about one mile round trip. The trail can be slippery, with a couple of water crossings, and flash floods are possible, so check conditions before you set out on the walk.

If you brought your swimsuit, you can take a dip in the plunge pool at either (or both!) waterfalls.

The Twin Falls hike is one of the most popular hikes in Maui!

The farm stand offers excellent products, from smoothies and drinking coconuts to banana bread and coconut milk ice cream. The locally frown fruit is also delicious!

Twin Falls opens at 7 a.m. It is a popular stop and it’s difficult to find parking unless you arrive early. Non-residents have to pay a parking fee of $10.00.

And the first Saturday of every month is reserved for Hawaii residents.

Do not park along the Hana Highway or anywhere other than the paid parking lot (if you are a non-resident) in order to access Twin Falls.

If there is no parking when you arrive, and you are waved on, remember that there are many other waterfalls along the route and keep driving!

4. Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove

You may see scattered rainbow eucalyptus trees at a couple of places along the Road to Hana drive, but the most dense and well-known copse is located near mile marker 7.

Driving towards Hana, you’ll find “the painted forest” on the makai (ocean) side of the road, to your left a little before the mile marker.

The rainbow eucalyptus grove is one of the most colorful Road to Hana stops in Maui!
The bark of the rainbow eucalyptus is colorful!

When the outer layer of the bark on the rainbow eucalyptus tree trunk peels off, the bright green layer underneath weathers over time to different colors like orange, pink, or maroon, before turning brown again.

The colorful trunks are striking when you see a grove.

The grove is on private land, so view the gorgeous color on the tree trunks from the road if you are able to park safely. Photos are a snap if you bring a zoom lens.

The turnout here is very small and can accommodate just two or three cars. Remember not to block the highway.

If you do not find a parking spot, don’t worry, you can see rainbow eucalyptus at the Keanae Arboretum a little further along the drive!

If you plan to drive the Road to Hana on your own, get an audio tour before you go. The Shaka guide offers turn-by-turn driving instructions along with commentary.

5. Garden of Eden

In our opinion one of the best stops along the Road to Hana, the Garden of Eden Arboretum is located between mile markers 10 and 11 on the drive.

The opening scenes of Jurassic Park were filmed here: you can see the famous Keopuka Rock (Jurassic Rock) from a lookout in the garden.

Entrance is not inexpensive, but if you have even a passing interest in plants and gardens, you will love your time at the arboretum.

A view in the Garden of Eden Arboretum in Maui, Hawaii
A view in the Garden of Eden Arboretum along the drive to Hana

Here you will find a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and a network of maintained trails to wander and admire the botanical specimens.

Look for banyans, mango trees, gingers, pineapple, banana, and much, much more, and a variety of exotic and brightly-colored tropical flowers.

Snap a photo of beautiful Upper Puohokamoa Falls, and admire the fantastic ocean views. Also look for peacocks, ducks, and geese!

Ocean view at the Garden of Eden in Maui, HI
A superb ocean view from the Garden of Eden!

The Garden of Eden is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $20 per adult and $10 per child aged 5 through 16. Kids under 5 are free.

>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!

6. Kaumahina State Wayside Park

Kaumahina State Wayside Park comes up just past mile marker 12 on the Hana Highway.

The park offers fabulous views of the coast, and a great look over the Keanae Peninsula and Village. In season, look for whales in the water.

A view at Kaumahina State Wayside Park in Maui, Hawaii
Looking out at the ocean at Kaumahina State Wayside Park

You can either make it a quick stop to enjoy the views, or you can walk some of the trails to admire the flora and look for birds.

You’ll find restrooms here, and a few picnic tables if you brought along a meal to enjoy en route.

7. Honomanu Bay Lookout

Also a quick stop, the Honomanu Bay Lookout at mile marker 14 offers views of the Keanae Peninsula.

Honiomanu Bay along the Road to Hana in Maui, HI
Honomanu Bay is beautiful!

There are several places to stop along the road here, between mile markers 13 and 14. The view of Honomanu Bay, surrounded by lush vegetation, is spectacular.

8. Keanae Arboretum

Right before the turnoff for the peninsula, be sure to also stop at the Keanae Arboretum, where you will find a grove of rainbow eucalyptus and a variety of tropical plants from around the world.

Rainbow eucalyptus tree at the Keanae Arboretum in Maui, Hawaii
Get up close to a rainbow eucalyptus at the Keanae Arboretum!

Look for taro, gingers, banana, papaya and more, as well as hibiscus and other tropical flowers.

After you’ve had your fill of the fabulous views, stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread, a little way along the road to the peninsula, for a sweet treat!

They are open Monday through Saturday and the banana bread is delicious!

9. Keanae Peninsula

The view at the Keanae Peninsula is one of the top things to see on the Road to Hana.

The black lava rocks at the Keanae Peninsula are a dramatic backdrop for the frothy white waves that break over them. The lush green vegetation adds to the picture postcard view!

The landscape here is rugged and the waves dangerous. You can hear the water as much as you can see it!

The Keanae Peninsula Lookout is one of the best Road to Hana stops in Maui, Hawaii
The rugged landscape at the Keanae Peninsula
Keanae Peninsula in Maui, HI
The lava rock here is relatively new, and black!

The lookout at the Keanae Peninsula is one of our favorite Road to Hana stops. We enjoy making videos here, because the sound of the waves is so awesome.

You’ll find the road leading to Keanae just past mile marker 16.

According to local lore, the dirt on which Keanae Village and the farmland here stand was brought down manually by locals.

In 1946, the area was destroyed by a tsunami that claimed several lives. Only the stone church, which dates back to 1856, survived.

>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!

10. Halfway to Hana Stand

Located at mile marker 17, the Halfway to Hana Stand is one of the most popular Road to Hana stops!

Halfway to Hana sign along the Hana Highway in Maui, HI
A Halfway to Hana sign

The banana bread at this famous snack shop is made fresh daily from locally-grown bananas. We always get extra to bring back to our accommodation.

If you are stopping here for lunch, you can sit in the shade at the thatched hale, and enjoy your sandwich or burger.

The shop also sells fresh fruit, and locally-made coconut candy. Also enjoy some shave ice (with a scoop of ice cream if you like yours creamy) before you resume your drive.

11. Wailua Valley State Wayside Park

This beautiful but quick stop is a wayside lookout over the Ke’anae Valley and the lush Ko’olau Gap.

You can also look out over Wailua Village, with its taro fields, and the Pacific Ocean.

A view from the Wailua Valley State Wayside Park in Maui, Hawaii
View over Wailua Village and the Pacific Ocean

Park and step out of the car and walk up the set of steps for the views. Just driving through won’t cut it!

Wailua Valley State Wayside Park comes up about 0.5 mile past mile marker 18.

The park is open daily during daylight hours, and there is no fee.

There are only three parking spots, one for the physically disabled.

12. Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears Falls)

The many waterfalls you can see along the Hana Highway are one of the top reasons for visitors choosing to do this scenic drive.

And Upper Waikani Falls definitely qualifies as one of the best waterfall stops on the Road to Hana.

Upper Wiakani Falls on the Road to Hana in Maui
The Upper Waikani Falls are one of the most popular waterfall stops on the Road to Hana!

The falls are also known as Three Bears Falls, and typically there are three cascades that you can see here. The falls plunge 70 feet over the cliff into the stream below, the Wailua Nui Stream.

Located just past mile marker 19, the Upper Waikani Falls can be viewed from the highway, and limited parking means that this is the way most visitors see the falls.

But if you are lucky enough to find a spot, at the falls or a little ways beyond (you’ll have to walk back along the narrow road to get back: there’s no shoulder), you can admire the falls at leisure and snap photos.

We’ve seen people scramble down the trail on the ocean side of the highway that leads down to the stream. It looks risky, so we suggest only viewing from the overlook.

The vegetation here is absolutely gorgeous, with ferns, gingers, ti, and more. It’s that green jungle-like look that you seek on this lush side of Maui!

13. Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park

About a half mile past mile marker 22 you’ll find the Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Park, which offers restrooms and covered picnic tables along with a pair of lovely waterfalls.

Waterfall at Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park in Maui
Waterfalls at Pua’a Ka’a

The highway goes through the 5-acre rainforest park.

A paved trail leads to several small falls. A larger cascade can be accessed via a more difficult rail. The waterfalls look beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery.

You can swim in the pools here if it has not rained a lot recently. Be aware that the rocks in the stream you have to cross to get to the pool can be slippery.

Look for mongoose!

14. Hanawi Falls

Just after mile marker 24, you’ll come to Hanawi Falls.

The best place to view this beautiful waterfall, which flows on both sides of the Hana Highway, is at the bridge over the Hanawi Stream.

There are pullouts both before and after the bridge, but each can hold very few cars, so you have to be lucky to be able to park and photograph Hanawi Falls at leisure.

Hanawi Falls in Maui
Hanawi Falls

As with other waterfalls along the drive, you may see adventurous travelers swimming in the plunge pool.

The vegetation around the waterfall is lush and the scene is well worthy of photos and video.

15. Hana Lava Tube

If you have the time for a short detour, make a stop at the Hana Lava Tube! At around mile marker 31, make a left on ‘Ula’ino Road to arrive at the entrance.

Formed several centuries ago by the flow of lava, this lava tube is one of the largest in the world.

Entrance to the Hana Lava Tube in Maui, Hawaii
The entrance to the lava tube in Hana

For an entrance fee, you can take a self-guided tour through the tube.

The lava tube isn’t lit, but you’ll be given a flashlight so you can see your way inside the tube. Be sure to stop and read the interpretive signs along the route: they offer a lot of interesting information.

There are stalactites and stalagmites to admire, and other natural and manmade features to see as you take the tour. The lava looks like chocolate in places!

Also on the property is a maze made from colorful red ti plants.

16. Waianapanapa State Park (and Maui’s Black Sand Beach!)

If you can only stop at a few places on your Road to Hana drive, make one of them Wai’anapanapa State Park: it’s a Road to Hana must see.

While the park is perfect for a short stop as a part of a longer day, there are so many exciting things to do at Wai’anapanapa State Park that it is fully deserving of a dedicated visit, and even an overnight stay.

The views from the lookouts are sensational, whether you focus on the lush green coastline, the black sand beach and lava rocks, or the restless waves pounding against the rocks on the shore.

View from lookout at Waianapanapa State Park in Maui, HI
A view of the lava rocks on the shore

Maui’s black sand beach, Pa’iloa Beach, is the star attraction here. The “sand” is quite pebbly, so bring water shoes!

Although you’ll see people in the water here, the surf can be too strong for inexperienced swimmers. The water also has jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war, so we suggest admiring the ocean from above the water line.

There’s a sea cave to explore at the right side of the beach as you face the water.

Pa'iloa Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park in Maui, HI
A view over the little black sand beach, Pa’iloa Beach
Sea cave at Pa'iloa Beach in Maui, Hawaii
The entrance to the sea cave at the Pa’iloa Beach

You can hike a couple of trails at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Although the full trails can be too long on a stop along the drive, you can walk a part of the trail to enjoy the scenery.

One of the trails (the easier one, which runs east towards Hana) goes past a blowhole!

Unless you are a resident of Hawaii, you need reservations to be able to visit Waianapanapa State Park so be sure to make them online as soon as your date opens up. The day slots sell out almost immediately.

17. Hana Town

Hana is one of Hawaii’s charming small towns. It boasts a rich history and has stayed relatively undeveloped, giving you the feel of the “real Hawaii.”

On this Road to Hana drive, you will likely be focused more on the journey, but it’s very worthwhile spending a night here to enjoy the ambience.

Pop into Hasegawa General Store, which is a family business more than 100 years old. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir of your trip to Hana.

Most people doing the Road to Hana drive turn around in Hana, but there’s more!

18. Red Sand Beach

Without a doubt one of the most beautiful Road to Hana stops, the red sand beach, Kaihalulu, is the ultimate picture postcard.

Kaihalulu Beach is located in Hana, just south of Hana Bay.

A red sand beach is a rarity, and this one is gorgeous.

Red sand beach in Maui, HI
The red sand beach, Kaihalulu

But it’s also a controversial stop.

Upon research, we decided both that the trail was too dangerous for us and that it would irresponsible for us to visit.

You’ll do your own research, of course, but we recommend skipping this stop. There have been too many occasions when rescue teams have had to be called, either to rescue people from the ocean, or because of an accident on the trail.

The rip currents at the beach here are dangerous and entering the water is not advised. The beach is clothing optional.

The trail to get to the beach is not maintained and can be hazardous: slippery and washed out in places. It is narrow and runs along the edge of a cliff, with loose gravel that makes it easy to lose your footing.

The access trail also goes through private property.

In fact, you’ll see signs telling you the trail is dangerous, along with “no trespassing” signs, as you walk onto the property.

19. Hamoa Beach

Less than four miles south of Hana Town is beautiful Hamoa Beach.

The white sand crescent beach is the stuff of picture postcards, with turquoise waters and a lush backdrop of green hala trees and other vegetation.

Hamoa Beach in Hana, Maui
Heavenly Hamoa Beach!

The beach is not lifeguarded, and there is no outlying reef for protection so exercise caution if you choose to get into the water.

The waves can be big. and Hamoa Beach is considered an excellent spot for bodysurfing.

The beach offers portable bathrooms and showers, and even a foot washing station if you just want to wade. There’s shade too!

Parking is roadside and can fill up, and there are steps down to the beach from the street.

20. Wailua Falls

Maui’s most photographed waterfall, Wailua Falls is one of the top Road to Hana stops.

Located just past mile marker 45, Wailua Falls is visible from the highway. The waterfall cascades 80 feet over a cliff into a gorgeous plunge pool.

Wailua Falls in Maui, Hawaii

Apart from the easy access, there is also quite a bit of parking at Wailua Falls, so you can get out of the car and enjoy the sight and sound of the waterfall at leisure.

You’ll find a few local vendors here hawking snacks and souvenirs.

There’s a slippery trail down to the plunge pool if you choose to go down for a swim. It definitely does look inviting!

21. O’heo Gulch (and the Pipiwai Trail!)

O’heo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, is one of the most scenic spots on the Road to Hana drive.

You will come to Oheo Gulch near mile marker 42, about a 15-minute drive from Hana Town.

Oheo Gulch is a part of the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park.

Waterfalls at Oheo Gulch in Maui, HI
Waterfalls at O’heo Gulch

The name “seven sacred pools” is actually a misnomer because there are many more pools here, plus several little waterfalls, all by the edge of the blue Pacific Ocean.

Note: At the time of writing, the pools are closed to swimming. In fact, all access to the pools is closed.

This is without a doubt one of the must-visit Road to Hana stops, for the hiking trails here.

At the parking lot, you can pay the park access fee and then hit one of the trails!

The Pipiwai Trail is one of the most popular trails in Maui, featuring a spectacular bamboo forest, waterfalls, and a large banyan tree.

It’s 4 miles round trip, so the Pipiwai Trail requires an investment of 2 to 3 hours. We recommend making the time to hike this trail!

Alternatively, or in addition, hike the much shorter Kuloa Point Trail, which leads to the pools and the ocean. This is also a scenic trail, with a beautiful banyan tree.

Kuloa Trail Oheo Gulch Maui
The Kuloa Trail to the pools at O’heo Gulch

No matter what you choose to do at this Road to Hana stop, you will love O’heo Gulch!

22. Lindbergh’s Grave

When he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator, came to Hana to spend his last days on earth.

He passed away in 1975, and was laid to rest under a Java plum tree in the Kipahulu area. His final resting place is now a much-visited Road to Hana stop in Maui.

Lindbergh’s grave is in the yard of the Palapala Congregational Church, a historic church that dates back to 1857.

Lindbergh's Grave in Maui, Hawaii
Lindbergh’s simple grave is surrounded by plants and trees

Located on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the church is a tranquil place for reflection.

More to Enjoy on the Road to Hana

Yes, the Road to Hana stops are delightful and the stops we have described above are a big part of why so many visitors to the island embark on the twisty drive.

But here are some other things to enjoy as you drive the Road to Hana:

Savor the drive

Don’t get so caught up in the stops along the Road to Hana that you forget to enjoy the drive itself.

Remember that you are driving one of the most scenic driving routes on the planet!

A bridge along the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
A bridge along the Road to Hana

In between the stops, relax and enjoy the spectacular views: of the ocean and the many bays and beaches, of the tropical forest, sometimes misty or rainy, but always green and lush, and of the many waterfalls and picturesque bridges.

Allow for time to make a few impromptu stops to admire an especially spectacular view, if there is a place to safely pull off the road.

Some of my most memorable moments from our first Road to Hana drive was stopping at unscheduled places just to soak in the views, breathe in the clean air, and be grateful for the experience.

Stop at a fruit stand

We’ve talked about the popular banana bread and snack shops en route to Hana, but you’ll also see many fruit stands along the way.

Fruit stand along the Hana Highway in Maui, HI
A fruit stand on the Hana Highway

The fruit trees on the Hana side of Maui are reportedly larger and more mature, and the area is known for its agriculture.

One of the best ways to experience the bounty of the local farms and orchards is to pick up some produce or fresh fruit from the stands on the Hana Highway.

You may find breadfruit, lilikoi (passion fruit), guava, pineapple and more.

Marvel at the vegetation on the Hana Highway!

If you have even a casual interest in plants and nature, you’ll be awed by the variety and lushness of the vegetation you’ll see along the Road to Hana.

From ferns to bamboo and palms to banyans, the tropical flora you’ll see just growing wild is astonishing. Take the time to appreciate the variety and beauty of the plants here!

Vegetation Hana Highway
Lush tropical greenery along the Road to Hana

Map of the Best Road to Hana Stops

Road to Hana (Hana Highway Maui) FAQs

1. How many stops are there on the Road to Hana?

Many more than we have described in our article! Frankly, the drive is so scenic that it feels like there is a waterfall or lookout every few yards on the route.

If you are doing a day drive to Hana and back, there is no way you will see and do it “all” in one trip. That’s why one of our top tips for this drive is to carefully pick the Road to Hana stops that will give you the greatest joy, with a few back-ups to account for unforeseen situations.

Trust us, you’ll enjoy your day much more by doing less rather than more.

2. Is the Road to Hana 1 day or 2 days?

You can do it either way and have a fantastic experience, but if your itinerary allows, we would vote for spending two days, overnighting in Hana.

This will allow you to include some hikes (like the very scenic Pipiwai Trail), spend a few hours at Wai’anapanapa State Park (black sand beach, hikes, lookouts, and more!), and take the stops in a more leisurely fashion.

That said, if you limit your stops and start early, a one-day Road to Hana trip can be very rewarding as well.

3. How long is the Road to Hana with stops?

If you drive up to Hana Town and back, you will be driving a little over 51 miles each way.

Most visitors drive up to Kipahulu and back, which is a distance of a little over 64 miles each way.

And, if your rental car agreement allows, you can also drive it as a loop that includes the backside of Haleakala and the bottom of the island (Highways 360 + 37). This is a distance of 115 miles in total.

4. How do you avoid crowds on the Road to Hana?

Start early. If your base is in west Maui, there is additional driving involved to get to the start point, Kahului. From Lahaina, for example, it takes about 35-40 minutes to get to Kahului in normal traffic.

Ideally, you’d want to be in Paia, a 15-minute drive from Kahului, fueled up and ready to head out on the Road to Hana, no later than 8 a.m.

The Best Maui Tours

Have you booked these top-rated Maui guided adventures yet?

Small-group Road to Hana tour so everyone in your group can sit back and enjoy the views without worrying about negotiating hairpin bends or finding parking at popular stops!

A Haleakala sunrise tour so you can experience the bucket-list sunrise atop the volcano without the need to reserve a parking spot or drive up in the dark!

A Maui whale watching raft tour, which will let you see the massive humpback whales at eye level! (You can also opt for a more sedate boat whale watching tour.) A MUST winter Maui activity!

A Maui snorkeling excursion that combines the Molokini Crater with Turtle Town, the two most epic snorkeling destinations on the island!

A 7-line Maui zipline experience where you can glide over the forests on the north shore of Maui. Enjoy ocean views and navigate obstacle course challenges!

An oceanfront luau in Wailea where you can enjoy a sunset buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. You can also opt for a Kaanapali oceanfront luau.

Renting a Car in Maui

The best things to do in Maui are located all over the island.

Public transport options on Maui are minimal to non-existent, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Maui trip.

We always use Discover Cars to book Maui car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.

>> Check availability and prices on Maui car rentals now!

Where to Stay in Maui

Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Maui you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.

By far the majority of visitors to Maui choose to base on the west side, where there is a large selection of accommodations available, from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals.

We suggest starting your search for Maui accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO. You can filter to choose a specific area, such as Kihei, Kapalua, or Wailea.

We have stayed in VRBO rentals in Kihei and Kapalua and find that the choice and quality are generally great.

>> Look for a Maui vacation rental on VRBO now!

Road to Hana Highway winding along Maui's coast
Road to Hana Highway winding along Maui’s coast

More Maui Travel Inspiration

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Discover the most unmissable stops on the stunning Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, from waterfalls to lookouts and banana bread stands to black sand beaches.

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